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  • NCPC boss vows to reposition Commission for effective service delivery

    NCPC boss vows to reposition Commission for effective service delivery

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev.Dr. Yakubu Pam has vowed to reposition the Commission for effective service delivery.

    Rev. Pam said this yesterday in Abuja at the NCPC headquarters during a review of strategic prayer meeting with the Management and staff of the Commissions and the zonal office staff who joined virtually.

    Rev. Pam further asserted that the Commission would be repositioned for better service delivery and to break limitations with a new name and new beginning.

    He said,’if I do not reposition this place, history will not forgive me”.

    This was contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head Media and public Relations, made available to Daybreak.

    He recalled that the Commission stood in the gap from the commencement of the 2023 general elections to the end by urging the pilgrims of the 2022 main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan to pray fervently for a hitch free pilgrimage exercise and for peace to reign supreme in the land.

    He said, ” God indeed answered the prayers of our pilgrims as the elections had come and gone.”

    The Executive Secretary who spoke on the theme, “Breaking Limitations” took his biblical references from the book of Luke Chapter 5 verse 2 called on the staff not to depend on their human powers, adding that they need the power of faith to break limitations. According to him, “if you have great faith you can go places.”

    He thanked the staff of the Commission for their commitment to duty, especially the role they played in the successful conclusion of the 2022 main pilgrimage exercise. According to him, “it is my duty to thank you all for your contributions in the last pilgrimage of 2022.”

    He harped on the need for staff to imbibe the spirit of brotherhood, unanimity of purpose and oneness. His words, “you have done me proud. Since my assumption as the third substantive Executive Secretary of this Commission, l have made everything humanly possible to identify with the staff.’

    The NCPC boss reiterated that since his assumption of office as the third substantive Executive Secretary of the Commission; he did everything humanly possible to identify with the staff.
    He posited that if he could put more of his strength on the staff, the Commission would be able to produce the best hands in the public service.
    He further stressed the need for the Commission to be financially independent.

  • Pilgrimage: NCPC to commence 2023 Easter exercise, 26th April- Rev Pam

    Pilgrimage: NCPC to commence 2023 Easter exercise, 26th April- Rev Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam has announced that the 2023 Easter pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan would commence on 26th April.

    Rev. Pam made this disclosure on 5th April, 2023 in Jericho during a prayer meeting with pilgrims of Ekiti state, Plateau, Osun, Kwara , self sponsored Pilgrims and consulars in the ongoing 2022 December pilgrimage exercise in Israel.

    He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the Commission the enabling environment to operate.
    He also thanked the Secretary to the government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha for the support and the effective supervisory role over the Commission.

    Rev Pam urged the pilgrims to pray for a smooth transition of power in Nigeria on May 29, 2023.

    The NCPC boss affirmed the 10th batch of pilgrims which is the last batch of of the 2022 December Main pilgrimage exercise which commenced on 26th December, 2022 and had come to a successful end with this last batch to pave way for the commencement of the Easter pilgrimage exercise on 26th April.

    He described the last batch of the 2022 December pilgrimage as unique and special, adding that the pilgrimage afforded every pilgrim the wonderful blessing to fellowship together.

    He noted that the Commission had been able to live up to the dreams of its founding fathers by ensuring that christian pilgrimage survives despite all odds.

    The NCPC boss said, “In Christ we are one. Your friendship with one another during this pilgrimage Will help to build unity for our country.”

    He commended the pilgrims for their good conduct and for not using the platform provided by the Commission to escape.

    He thanked the government of Ekiti state for sending the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Monisade Afuye to be part of of the last batch of pilgrims and applauded the participation of Ekiti state, Plateau , Osun and Kwara who made up the last batch of the 2022 December pilgrimage exercise.

  • NCPC boss enjoins intending pilgrims to shun pleasure, pray for Nigeria

    NCPC boss enjoins intending pilgrims to shun pleasure, pray for Nigeria

    By Joyce Remi- Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has enjoined intending pilgrims to shun pleasure but to pray for Nigeria.

    Rev. Pam made the appeal at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja yesterday when 300 intending
    pilgrims were departing to Israel and Jordan.

    He also urged them to pray for peaceful and successful elections in the country.

    He said ,” seek for prayers and not pleasure ,continue to pray for peaceful coexistence of the nation while in the Holy Land.”

    “This is the 7th and last batch before the general elections and I believe you are going to seal up all the prayers other pilgrims and Nigerians have made for the country.”

    The Executive Secretary cautioned them against smuggling illicit substances to the Holy land and any act that would tarnish.

    “You must avoid anything that will tarnish the image of the country while carrying out your spiritual activities in the Holy land,” he added.

    The NCPC boss expressed happiness that pilgrims from other States had returned to Nigeria without any negative incident after their visit to the Holy Land.

    “I pray you all returned without any single case of abscondment,” Pam said.

    Director FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Audu Dabara , told the intending pilgrims that the exercise was a path way to eternity with some challenges, but at the end of the spiritual exercise they would have cause to rejoice.

    He urged them to be orderly and to keep to all rules and pray fervently for a better nation.

  • NCPC activities success story of President Buhari’s administration – Rev. Pam

    NCPC activities success story of President Buhari’s administration – Rev. Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam has said that the Commission through its robust pilgrimage activities has added value to the success story of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He disclosed this on 9th February, 2023 at the NCPC Corporate headquarters, Abuja, during the first strategic meeting with the Management and staff of the Commission this year.

    He stated that the Commission’s ongoing December, 2022 Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel and Jordan which commenced on 16th December, 2022 had progressed very well due to the commitment of staff and relevant stakeholders, adding that more states had indicated interest in sponsoring more Christians to the Holy Land.

    He thanked the Board of the Commission for the opportunity to work together to better the fortunes of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria.

    The NCPC boss admonished to be faithful at all times.

    Quoting the Biblical reference from the book of Mathew Chapter 25 from verses 15, he said the parable of the talents teaches that faithfulness pays.

    Rev. Pam say, “we are given equal opportunity but the difference is faithfulness.”
    Rev. Pam cautioned staff to shun unhealthy competition to avoid losing focus. According to him, “Today we are fighting against corruption; you should be satisfied with what you have”
    He urged them to kill the spirit of competition and pulling-down syndrome, as competition has birthed children like gossiping, back biting, pulling down syndrome and corruption.”

    The NCPC Chief Executive stressed that without discipline, civil service will be a lawless place. he therefore promised to discipline any erring staff found wanting in order to service as a deterrent to others.

    He emphasized that the interest of the Commission would continue to be paramount and should be far above any individual interest.

    He urged the staff of the Commission to represent the Commission well as he said, “I plead with you to keep the Life in NCPC, where history will be made and kept! Protect the good name of NCPC be diligent, and be faithful, he pleaded.

  • NCPC, BOYS’ BRIGADE to foster Unity in the body of Christ

    NCPC, BOYS’ BRIGADE to foster Unity in the body of Christ

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC and the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria said they have agreed to Forster unity in the Body of Christ.

    The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam made the revealed this yesterday in Abuja when the National President of the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria, Prof.Samson Duna who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

    This is contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, made available to Daybreak today.

    Rev. Pam noted that the two organizations are non-denominational and should collaborate to advance the cause of Christianity in Nigeria.

    He lauded the Boys’Brigade of Nigeria for maintaining the culture of discipline over the years and called on other uniform bodies to emulate the standard achieved by the Boys ‘ Brigade.

    He reaffirmed the unique mandate of the Commission in whole of West Africa, saddled with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of Christians in Nigeria and ensure the smooth movement of Christians to the Holy Sites around the world for performing Pilgrimage exercise.

    Likewise, he explained that he had been able to use the NCPC platform to foster peace and unity across the country and had intervened in some peace mediation roles in some parts of the country.

    He assured that the Commission would collaborate with the Boys ‘ Brigade of Nigeria in the area of spirituality, events , music and taking care of the aged pilgrims during Pilgrimage in the Holy land.

    Earlier, the National President of the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria, Prof.Samson Duna commended Rev. Pam for his sterling giant strides at NCPC.

    Professor Duns said,” You have done quite a lot , the hiccups we use to have when we travel to Israel is no longer there since you took over the mantle of leadership of the Commission .”

    Prof. Duna hinted that the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria is a non-denominational body established in 1908 with the mandate to provide leadership training for youths in productive ventures and inculcate in them the fear of God and service to humanity.

    He solicited for a robust collaboration between NCPC and the Boys’Brigade of Nigeria to promote unity in the Christendom,.
    According to him, through the collaboration, the Boys’Brigade of Nigeria would be able to add value to the services of the Commission in meaningful areas.

  • FG empowers NCPC to explore more Holy Sites around the world – Rev. Pam

    FG empowers NCPC to explore more Holy Sites around the world – Rev. Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr. Yakubu Pam has disclosed that the Commission had been given the powers to explore more Holy Sites around the world.

    The NCPC boss disclosed yesterday at the Victor Attah International Airport, UYo, during the airlift of intending pilgrims of Cross River state and Ondo state.

    According to him, the NCPC Act which established the Commission in 2007 empowers it to explore Holy Sites with good geographical landmarks and biblical references in the world which explains why the Commission has extended its Pilgrimage scope to Rome, Greece, Jordan and is already planning to explore Holy Sites in Turkey as soon as possible.

    This was contained in a press release signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director and Head of Media and Public Relations of the NCPC made available to Daybreak today.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for giving the Commission the enabling environment to exercise its mandate using the Act.

    He further lauded efforts of the two states for the successfully airlifting pilgrims pilgrims from the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Cross River state and also Ondo state for being part of the current Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan.

    According to Rev.Pam, for successful operation of the pilgrimage exercise similar orientation programme being organized at the Victor Attah International Airport, UYo and Enugu for the intending pilgrims of Ebonyi State who would join the intending pilgrims of Cross River state and Ondo to make up the third batch of intending pilgrims that would leave the shores of Nigeria tonight to the Holy land of Israel and Jordan.

    The NCPC boss further applauded the Governors of the South for sponsoring Christians to the Holy land and for advancing the Kingdom.

    He explained that this spiritual journey is taking place at the most critical time when the nation is preparing for its general election, adding that this is the moment for Nigerians pray.

    He further warned intending pilgrims to shun any act of absconding during Pilgrimage, as the Commission would stop at nothing to ensure that such absconder and the guarantor is brought to book.

    This third batch of intending pilgrims are made up of Cross River, Ondo, and Ebonyi State contingent.

    The Commission commenced the December 2022 Pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan on 16th December 2022 in Enugu State.

  • NCPC boss commends Gov. Uzodinma for organizing a spiritual Christmas Carol

    NCPC boss commends Gov. Uzodinma for organizing a spiritual Christmas Carol

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam has commended Gov. Hope Uzodinma for the yearly Christmas Carol usually organized by the Imo State Government.

    He made this known during the 2022 Christmas Carol which held at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Square on 21st December, 2022 in Owerri, Imo state capital with the theme “Celebrate Christ the Messiah. “

    The NCPC Boss expressed delight that such a big gathering was held just for a religious purpose and the governor for setting a standard and keeping to it.

    He called on other governors to emulate the Imo State governor is doing to keep the Christmas spirit aflame.

    He said , “I want to call on other Governors and the entire country by extension to learn from you, this is very commendable. If there’s anything we need today is to have Governors like you who will bring people together not on a social club nor a political arena but only in a place dedicated to worship God.”

    The NCPC boss also called on the people of Imo State to take the Christmas message very serious and to see it as a time to reconcile all differences as Jesus died so that man can be reconciled with God.

    “Whatever has been the line of division in the State it is time to advocate for unity and oneness after all power comes from God and He gives it to who ever he deems fit.”

    Also speaking on the forthcoming 2023 elections, the ES said, “I pray that the 2023 elections will not become a means of division but rather be used as a cause for unity.”

    He charged the youths not to be instruments of destruction of Peace and Progress.

    The NCPC Chief Executive thanked the Christian Association of Nigeria CAN for the job well done in planning and organising the Carol in collaboration with the Imo State Government. He described the Imo State CAN Chairman as a leader of influence for being able to gather people of timber and calibre at the grand Carol.

    The NCPC Helmsman used the opportunity to announce that the 2022 general pilgrimage exercise is ongoing with about 300 Enugu State Pilgrims in Israel and the Kingdom of Jordan presently on pilgrimage, he further disclosed that the pilgrimage exercise will run through March/ April 2023 hopefully. He called on Sen. Uzodinma and all well meaning interested individuals to do well ton key into the present ongoing Pilgrimage exercise.

    The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma in his speech thanked God Almighty for being able to host and hold such a Carol despite all challenges that were faced in the State last year.
    He said, “It is very clear to me that God has answered our prayers, so he thanked God for making the people to witness a Merry Christmas.

  • NCPC Boss says no going back on December pilgrimage, tasks staff on commitment

    NCPC Boss says no going back on December pilgrimage, tasks staff on commitment

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev Dr Yakubu Pam has said there is no going back on the December pilgrim exercise as he charged the Management and staff of the Commission to be committed to their duty.

    In a statement signed by Deputy Director/Head Media and Public Relations Director of the Commission, Celestine Toruka Rev. Pam gave this charge on 9th December, 2022 during a strategic meeting with all the Management and staff of the Commission in Abuja.

    The NCPC exulted the staff from Luke Gospel, chapter 8 verses 22 to 25, where Jesus asked his disciples to go to the other side of the Lake and as they set out sailing, there was a storm.

    He explained that going to the other side of the Lake as demanded by Jesus Christ meant there was a goal to accomplish.

    Therefore, he admonished the staff to always ensure their goals in life would enable them to be able to add value to the system.

    According to him, there is usually a storm in the life of everyone and in the life of an organization, adding that the important thing in such situations is the ability to overcome, which only comes through the grace of God.

    He reiterated that after the storm, ” There would certainly be light at the end of any dark tunnel.”

    While urging staff to shun every internal politics within the Commission and concentrate on their job, charged them to maintain a high level of discipline, especially punctuality to work and loyalty to constituted authority.

    Rev Pam disclosed that the challenges facing the Commission in recent time would be surmounted , especially the issue of funding, which is not peculiar to the Commission alone.

    He further hinted that the Commission was working towards the commencement of the 2022 December Main pilgrimage exercise to Israel and Jordan. He assured that the date for the commencement would soon be fixed. Furthermore, he further explained that the December pilgrimage would be mainly states pilgrimage affairs, whose intending pilgrims had successfully been screened and had paid their money for the exercise.
    According to the statement, the strategic meeting is to keep staff abreast with happenings in the Commission.

  • Malicious Falsehood: NCPC Gives Mamza 5 days Ultimatum To Show Proof of Fraud

    Malicious Falsehood: NCPC Gives Mamza 5 days Ultimatum To Show Proof of Fraud

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    Following malicious allegation of misappropriation of funds against the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, the Commission has given the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Adamawa State branch, Bishop Stephen Mamza five days to provide receipts and invoices for all the monies allegedly paid to the Commission by the Adamawa State Government which the Executive Secretary of NCPC was said to have misappropriated.

    In a statement signed by Celestine Toruka, Deputy Director/Head Media & Public Relations of NCPC, a terse petition signed by the Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Barrister Odey Obule on 5th December 2022, was addressed to Bishop Stephen Mamza, titled: “Retraction of False and Malicious Publication Against The Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC”.

    The statement reads “should you fail, omit or neglect to purge yourself of this malicious and unwarranted publication, the Commission would be forced to escalate the matter to higher authorities in order to ventilate its rights which you have flagrantly trampled upon without justification.”

    The Commission further re-affirmed that it never nor collected any money whatsoever from Adamawa State Government for the Adamawa Pilgrimage exercise to Rome held between 23rd May to 28th May, 2022.

    NCPC explained that the Commission only intervened when it discovered that the Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board under its Executive Secretary, Rev. Zidon Love tried to perform pilgrimage to Rome without recourse to the Commission contrary to the NCPC enabling Act of 2007 which empowers the Commission to coordinate, supervise and manage the activities of Christian Pilgrimage in Nigeria and the movement of Nigeria Christians to the Holy Sites around the world.

    The NCPC maintained that the entire Adamawa pilgrimage was marred by several challenges which could have been avoided had the Commission been carried along from the beginning.

    He further stated: “it is therefore uncharitable for you to ascribe blame for the failure of the exercise to the Commission which only came in to salvage the situation after all the arrangements and payments had been made by the State Board to several service providers it contracted.”

    It would be recalled that Bishop Stephen Mamza granted press conference on 1st December, 2022 in Yola alleging massive corruption in NCPC and demanding the sack of Rev. Yakubu Pam over unfounded and malicious allegation.

  • NCPC has not suspended pilgrimage — Rev. Pam

    NCPC has not suspended pilgrimage — Rev. Pam

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr. Yakubu.Pam has debunked the public thinking that the Commission has suspended all pilgrimage exercise.

    Rev. Pam cleared the air on Friday at a press briefing when a st delegation from his Alma Mater, College of Mary Immaculate School, Zawan , Jos, Plateau State paid him a solidarity visit in Abuja.

    He said, ” The public should disabuse their mind that pilgrimage bid suspended, “we are on and preparing to move our December pilgrimage in Nigeria.”

    “We have successfully carried out three Pilgrims with lean funds from government. We remain accountable to the public. “

    The NCPC boss, who also doubles his duties as a Peace and Reconciliation ambassador, disclosed that in addition to his duties delegated to him by Mr. President,” I pick up the process of peace building in Southern Kaduna.”
    We were in Lagos and Ports Harcourt to stop the activities of IPOB.

    Meanwhile, the representative of his Alma Mater, the College of Mary Immaculate, Danladi Aweje stated that the visit was to show their solidarity for the good works Rev. Pam is doing at the Commission through transformation and innovation.

    “Your innovations on pilgrimage without hitch with zero absondment since your took over the leadership of the NCPC.”

    “I took advantage of the Act this established this Committee to extend the pilgrimage to Jordan. For the first time in ten years we have had a record of absconment , he explained.”

    The Zawan old boys association, called on the Executive Secretary as an old boy to support the College to get back to it’s lost glory.

    Rev. Pam who was grateful as an old student of the school , recalled his experience.

    He said, ” Once l couldn’t pay my school fees for three years, and I was chased out of class with no food , such was the crisis l was having as a result of my background of poverty.”